Knife recommendations under $200

Cadillac86

Cadillac86

Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
470
I'm going to be to the point and hopefully you guys can help me.

I'm looking for a good knife for EDC. Fixed blade under 4". I currently have an Izula and thought I like it, I want something a little better. I was looking at the izula damascus as I LOVE the look of damascus, but I don't want to sacrifice quality for it. So can anyone recommend a knife, like the izula, in the $150-200 range. It will be getting use in the woods (batoning possibly, not chopping though). Thanks.
 
I would look at a custom knife. JK Knives is a personal favorite. John has a sale coming up at the end of the month with some Great knives in your size and price range.

I will edit to add a link to the thread.
sale thread:http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1275707-April-Sale
Thread containing info on some of his knives:http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1256759-Post-your-knives-and-its-info-for-reference

Added, a torture test of JK Knives ViKtim model: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Torture-Test-Passaround!?highlight=jk+torture
 
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Knifemakers in the exchange under fixed blades have some great offers in and under your price range.
 
Thanks, I will look into the custom made stuff! I did like the Bark River Bravo as well. Thanks.
 
I already have a standard Izula coming, I'm starting to lean towards an Esee 4 or 5 to add to my bag. I really really like the Damascus Izula, but I contacted ESEE today and it isn't covered under their warranty. It's hard for me to justify paying 2-3 times the price of a standard izula when it doesn't even have the same warranty.
 
Any custom maker here worth your $ and their salt should stand behind their product. As long as you have it kmown your intended usage and they are content with their knife standing up to such use.

That being said, Esee is known for replacing knives that have been misused intentionally. They have even warranty replaced a knife that someone Shot.
Still, I prefer Becker in regards to production knives. Their handles fit my hand better and knowing having Becker community and Uncle E. Himself available if anything should arise, or even just to answer a question is worth an added price, even though most Beckers are more inexpensive than their Esee counterpart.
 
How are JK's knives? I'm looking at the Element O1 EDC and the Compact tool as possibilities. I'm assuming since you are a proud supporter that the quality is good.
 
+1 For the Bark River, the Gunny is under 4" and has steel options to choose from. There are many other Barkies too that you may like if you check their site.

I'll throw in a Survive! Knives, GSO 3.5. You can get a factory 2nd in stock now, in either CPM 3V or CPM 20CV, for the low end of your price range.

For custom makers, look at Alfa Knives or Shaerk Knives, I have owned both and recommend without hesitation.
 
In regards to both of his E01 and Compact, people love them. I have yet to hear anything bad. If there have been any issues (none that I can think of off of my head) I'm sure He would bend over backwards to correct it.

For the his knives, there are At least 5 blade shapes to choose from (plus any you could draw up, he would make), ffg or saber ground, choil or not, finger grooves or not, hollow pins or solid, liners can be from none to g10 to brass.

You name it and he will do it. Plus, I believe they are $120 base with a kydex pocket sheath and +$10 for leather, iirc. He works in 01 tool steel primarily but also works with s30v I believe.

If you are considering purchasing any of his knives, take a look at his site for some of the dimensions of the knives, or ask him directly.

John is a friendly guy, give him the sizing that you are looking for and ask if there is anything in the April sale close in size. That is, if you don't want one made Exactly to your specifications, or you dont want to wait.
 
Thanks for all of the help.

NJBillK,

I ordered an Element Hunter with Zircote Handle, Black Liner, Thumb notches, and Brass Pins. Thanks so much for the recommendation, and you were right. He was very helpful in helping me narrow down what I was looking for. I am really super excited for this knife.
 
No worries and welcome to the fold, I'm sure you are going to Love it. I will be looking forward to pics and seeing you around the JK Subforum.
 
Bradford Guardian3 and Guardian4, 3" and 4" blades respectively, and damn good fixed blades too with M390 steel. Can't see batoning with a 4" blade but I'm sure the Guardians can take it. I have a Guardian3 and it's fantastic.
 
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